Swiss researchers developing control algorithm for grid-forming inverters
Researchers at ETH Zurich have patented a grid-forming inverter algorithm that stabilizes frequency while protecting devices from damage by independently controlling frequency, voltage, and current.
Germany’s PV installations down sharply in March
Germany installed just 787.2 MW of new PV capacity in March – the lowest monthly total since December 2022.
Irish and UK grids linked via 500 MW subsea HVDC cable
The Greenlink Interconnector comprises two high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables reaching across the Irish Sea connecting the grids of Ireland and the United Kingdom at the Great Island substation in County Wexford and Pembroke substation in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
Dutch utilities to test lower tariffs during solar production peaks
Dutch utilities Eneco and Delta Energie will test lower electricity tariffs for consumers – regardless of PV system ownership – who shift consumption to periods of peak solar generation. The pilot aims to encourage flexible demand during midday hours.
Fraunhofer ISE developing heterojunction solar cells with silver consumption of less than 2 mg per W
Researchers at the German institute are seeking to reduce silver use in heterojunction PV devices under the umbrella of an extensive research projects. Among their recent achievements there is the fabrication of a heterojunction cell that requires a minimal silver consumption of only 1.4 mg per W.
The Hydrogen Stream: EU backs €400 million H2 scheme in Spain
The European Commission has cleared a €400 million ($455.2 million) Spanish aid program to scale renewable hydrogen output, backing up to 345 MW of electrolyzer capacity and targeting 221,000 tons of production via the EU Hydrogen Bank’s 2025 auction round.
Fronius launches hybrid inverters for residential, commercial applications
The Austrian manufacturer said its new hybrid inverters can increase the usable output of the PV system to up to 150%. They are available in six version with rated AC power ranging from 15 kW to 33.3 kW.
Belgian grid operator warns of PV overproduction, curtailment in spring
Belgian grid operator Elia says that rapid solar fleet growth is driving earlier seasonal overproduction peaks, raising curtailment risks this spring. It plans to expand flexibility measures to stabilize the high-voltage network.
UK grid connections reform approved to ‘axe zombie projects’, fast-track 65 GW solar deployment
UK energy regulator Ofgem has approved connection queue reforms for Great Britain’s electricity grid. The change could see 65 GW of solar projects enter the fast-track “Gate 2” connections queue. The government claims reform will accelerate renewables and energy storage deployment while unlocking GBP 40 billion ($53 billion) of investment in clean energy and infrastructure.
CEA-INES unveils PV module interconnection tech that reduces silver use by 26%
The French research institute found that switching from silver cell metallization to silver-copper metallization can lower the total silver quantity in a heterojunction module, with a total silver amount of only 14 mgAg/W being required. Their interconnection technique is based on low silver content electrically conductive adhesives and copper ribbons.
